Extension unit for extending an axle device of a vehicle and extended axle device of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an extension unit (1) for extending an axle device of a vehicle, wherein the extension unit (1) extends from a first connecting section (5) along an extension direction (7) to a second connecting section (9), wherein the first connecting section (5) of the extension unit (1) is designed such that the first connecting section (5) of the extension unit (1) can be connected to a first connecting section (11) of the axle device, wherein the first connecting section (11) of the axle device and the second connecting section (9) of the extension unit (1) are constructed identically, and wherein the second connecting section (9) of the extension unit (1) is designed such that the second connecting section (9) of the extension unit (1) can be connected to a second connecting section (13) of the axle device, wherein the second connecting section (13) of the axle device and the first connecting section (5) of the extension unit (1) are constructed identically. The invention further relates to an extended axle device (3).

Description

[0001] Extension unit for extending an axle device of a vehicle and extended axle device of a vehicle

[0002] The present invention relates to an extension unit for extending an axle device of a vehicle and an extended axle device of a vehicle.

[0003] Vehicle axle assemblies are known from the prior art. For example, in the axle assemblies known from the prior art, two tires can be mounted on two opposite end sections of the vehicle's axle assembly.

[0004] In general, it is desirable to provide a vehicle with a predetermined distance between two tires mounted on two opposite end sections of the vehicle's axle assembly in a particularly simple and resource-saving manner.

[0005] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a vehicle with a predetermined distance between two tires attached to two opposite end sections of the axle device of the vehicle in a particularly simple and resource-saving manner.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, the stated object is achieved by an extension unit having the features of patent claim 1. The extension unit is configured to extend an axle device of a vehicle. The extension unit extends from a first connecting section along an extension direction to a second connecting section. The first connecting section of the extension unit is designed such that the first connecting section of the extension unit can be connected to a first connecting section of the axle device. The first connecting section of the axle device and the second connecting section of the extension unit are constructed identically. The second connecting section of the extension unit is designed such that the second connecting section of the extension unit can be connected to a second connecting section of the axle device.The second connecting section of the axle device and the first connecting section of the extension unit are constructed identically.

[0007] As already described, the extension unit is configured to extend the axle device of the vehicle. The axle device of the vehicle can be extended using the extension unit or with multiple extension units. In the context of the present invention, a distinction must be made between an axle device that can be extended using the extension unit and can also be referred to as an extendable axle device or axle device to be extended, and an axle device that has been extended using the extension unit and has the extension unit or multiple extension units and can also be referred to as an extended axle device. Preferably, the extended axle device is a front axle device, which can also be referred to as a front axle. The extended axle device is preferably a front axle device of an agricultural machine, preferably a tractor.The vehicle is therefore preferably an agricultural machine, in particular a tractor. Preferably, a distance defined perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle, in particular the tractor, between two tires, in particular between two front tires of the tractor, can be increased using the extension unit. The extension unit preferably ensures that the extension of the vehicle's axle device can be increased in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle, particularly when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead.

[0008] As already described, the first connecting section of the extension unit is designed such that the first connecting section of the extension unit can be connected to the first connecting section of the axle device. The first connecting section of the axle device and the second connecting section of the extension unit are constructed identically. The second connecting section of the extension unit is designed such that the second connecting section of the extension unit can be connected to the second connecting section of the axle device. The second connecting section of the axle device and the first connecting section of the extension unit are constructed identically. Because the first connecting section of the extension unit is designed such that the first connecting section of the extension unit can be connected to the first connecting section of the axle device,the first connecting section of the axle device and the second connecting section of the extension unit are constructed identically, the second connecting section of the extension unit is designed such that the second connecting section of the extension unit can be connected to the second connecting section of the axle device, and the second connecting section of the axle device and the first connecting section of the extension unit are constructed identically, it is ensured that the extension unit can be installed in an axle device having the first connecting section and the second connecting section, which are connected to each other before the extension unit is installed in the axle device.The fact that the first connecting section of the axle device and the second connecting section of the extension unit are constructed identically, and the second connecting section of the axle device and the first connecting section of the extension unit are constructed identically, ensures that no further modifications to the axle device are necessary for inserting the extension unit into the axle device in order to use the extension unit to produce the extended axle device from the axle device to be extended. The fact that the first connecting section of the axle device and the second connecting section of the extension unit are constructed identically, and the second connecting section of the axle device and the first connecting section of the extension unit are constructed identically, can be ensured bythat the extension unit is adapted to a specific structure of the axle device to be extended, so that the first connecting section of the extension unit can be connected to a first connecting section of the axle device, and the second connecting section of the extension unit can be connected to a second connecting section of the axle device. The present invention is not limited to a specific structure of an axle device to be extended; rather, the extension unit can be manufactured such that it is designed for a specific axle device to be extended, in order to form a specific extended axle device, which in the illustrated example is the extended axle device.

[0009] In particular, the extension unit is particularly simple in design. Furthermore, the extension unit can be used to retrofit a vehicle with a specific distance between two tires mounted on two opposite end sections of the vehicle's axle assembly, adjusting the distance to a desired length. This eliminates the need to manufacture a new vehicle with a desired distance. Instead, a specific vehicle can be adapted accordingly, ensuring a resource-efficient solution.

[0010] In summary, it can be stated that with the aid of the extension unit, a vehicle can be provided with a predetermined distance between two tires attached to two opposite end sections of the vehicle's axle device in a particularly simple and resource-saving manner.

[0011] In one embodiment, the extension unit comprises a housing unit which extends from the first connecting portion of the extension unit along the extension direction to the second connecting portion of the extension unit, wherein the first connecting portion of the extension unit and the second connecting portion of the extension unit are provided on the housing unit.Because the extension unit has the housing unit, which extends from the first connecting section of the extension unit along the extension direction to the second connecting section of the extension unit, and the first connecting section of the extension unit and the second connecting section of the extension unit are provided on the housing unit, the housing unit can be mechanically loaded and, in the installed state of the housing unit, i.e., when the extended axle device is manufactured, forces and moments can be transmitted between the first connecting section of the axle device and the second connecting section of the axle device using the housing unit. The housing unit can also be referred to as an intermediate housing.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first connecting section of the extension unit has a first flange section that extends around a straight line, with the direction of extension running along the straight line. Using the first flange section that extends around the straight line, the extension unit can lie flat against a first flange section of the first connecting section of the axle device, thereby ensuring a particularly robust mechanical connection between the first connecting section of the extension unit and the first connecting section of the axle device. Preferably, the first flange section of the extension unit has bores arranged around the straight line.The bores preferably have through-bores, with the aid of which and with the aid of connecting means, preferably screws, particularly preferably hexagon screws, which extend through the through-bores in the connected state, the connected state between the first connecting section of the extension unit and the first connecting section of the axle device can be secured.In addition, the bores preferably have blind holes, with the aid of which and with the aid of connecting means, preferably cylindrical pins, which extend into the blind holes in the connected state, the first connecting section of the extension unit and the first connecting section of the axle device can be optimally positioned relative to one another and an optimal position relative to one another in the connected state between the first connecting section of the extension unit and the first connecting section of the axle device can be ensured.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first flange section of the first connecting section of the extension unit has a recess pointing radially away from a straight line, with the extension direction running along the straight line. The fact that the first flange section of the first connecting section of the extension unit has the recess pointing radially away from the straight line, with the extension direction running along the straight line, ensures that a section of the steering unit can be arranged in the recess of the first flange section, thus providing a compact extended axle device overall.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second connecting section of the extension unit has a second flange section that extends around a straight line, wherein the direction of extension runs along the straight line. With the aid of the second flange section that extends around the straight line, the extension unit can lie flat against a second flange section of the second connecting section of the axle device, so that a mechanically particularly robust connection between the second connecting section of the extension unit and the second connecting section of the axle device can be ensured. Preferably, the second flange section of the extension unit has bores arranged around the straight line. Preferably, the bores have blind holes, with the aid of which and with the aid of connecting means, preferably screws, particularly preferably hexagon screws,and cylindrical pins, on the one hand, the connected state between the second connecting section of the extension unit and the second connecting section of the axle device can be secured, which is preferably ensured by first connecting means of the connecting means, preferably screws, particularly preferably hexagon screws, and on the other hand, the second connecting section of the extension unit and the second connecting section of the axle device can be optimally positioned relative to one another and an optimal position relative to one another in the connected state between the second connecting section of the extension unit and the second connecting section of the axle device can be ensured, which in turn is preferably ensured by second connecting means of the connecting means, preferably cylindrical pins,is ensured. In one embodiment, the second flange portion of the second connecting portion of the extension unit has a recess pointing radially away from a straight line, wherein the extension direction runs along the straight line. Because the second flange portion of the second connecting portion of the extension unit has the recess pointing radially away from the straight line, wherein the extension direction runs along the straight line, it is ensured that a portion of the steering unit, in particular the rod unit of the extension unit, can be arranged in the recess of the second flange portion, thus providing a compact extended axle device overall.

[0015] In one embodiment, the extension unit has a rod unit that extends from a first connecting portion along an extension direction to a second connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion of the rod unit is designed such that the first connecting portion of the rod unit can be connected to a first connecting portion of a steering unit of the axle device, wherein the first connecting portion of the steering unit of the axle device and the second connecting portion of the rod unit are constructed identically, and wherein the second connecting portion of the rod unit is designed such that the second connecting portion of the rod unit can be connected to a second connecting portion of the steering unit of the axle device,wherein the second connecting section of the steering unit of the axle device and the first connecting section of the rod unit are constructed identically. Because the extension unit has the rod unit, which extends from the first connecting section along the extension direction to the second connecting section, the rod unit can be mechanically loaded and, in the installed state of the rod unit, i.e. when the extended axle device is manufactured, forces, in particular tensile forces and compressive forces acting along the extension direction of the rod unit, can be transmitted between the first connecting section of the steering unit of the axle device and the second connecting section of the steering unit of the axle device using the rod unit. Because the first connecting section of the rod unit is designed in such a way,that the first connecting section of the rod unit can be connected to the first connecting section of the steering unit of the axle device, the first connecting section of the steering unit of the axle device and the second connecting section of the rod unit are constructed identically, the second connecting section of the rod unit is designed such that the second connecting section of the rod unit can be connected to the second connecting section of the steering unit of the axle device, and the second connecting section of the steering unit of the axle device and the first connecting section of the rod unit are constructed identically, it is ensured that the rod unit can be installed in the steering unit, which has the first connecting section and the second connecting section, which are connected to each other before the rod unit is installed in the steering unit of the axle device.that the first connecting section of the steering unit of the axle device and the second connecting section of the rod unit are constructed identically and the second connecting section of the steering unit of the axle device and the first connecting section of the rod unit are constructed identically, it is ensured that no further modifications of the axle device are necessary for inserting the rod unit into the steering unit of the axle device,To create the extended axle device from the axle device to be extended using the extension unit, and at the same time, to maintain the steering function of the axle device using the rod unit. The fact that the first connecting section of the steering unit of the axle device and the second connecting section of the rod unit are identically constructed, and the second connecting section of the steering unit of the axle device and the first connecting section of the rod unit are identically constructed, can be ensured by adapting the extension unit to a specific structure of the axle device to be extended.so that the first connecting portion of the rod unit can be connected to the first connecting portion of the steering unit of the axle device, and the second connecting portion of the rod unit can be connected to the second connecting portion of the steering unit of the axle device. Preferably, the present invention is not limited to a specific design of an axle device to be extended; rather, the extension unit can be manufactured such that it is designed for a specific axle device to be extended, in order to form a specific extended axle device, which in the illustrated example is the extended axle device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the extension unit has a shaft unit that extends from a first connecting section along an extension direction to a second connecting section, wherein the first connecting section of the shaft unit is designed such that the first connecting section of the shaft unit can be connected to a first connecting section of a drive unit of the axle device, wherein the first connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the second connecting section of the shaft unit are constructed identically, and wherein the second connecting section of the shaft unit is designed such that the second connecting section of the shaft unit can be connected to a second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device,wherein the second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the first connecting section of the shaft unit are constructed identically. Because the extension unit has the shaft unit, which extends from the first connecting section along the extension direction to a second connecting section, the shaft unit can be mechanically loaded and, in the installed state of the shaft unit, i.e. when the extended axle device is manufactured, drive rotational movements, in particular torques acting in a vectorial representation along a straight line along which the extension direction runs, can be transmitted between the first connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device using the shaft unit. Because the first connecting section of the shaft unit is designed in such a way,that the first connecting section of the shaft unit can be connected to the first connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device, the first connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the second connecting section of the shaft unit are constructed identically, the second connecting section of the shaft unit is designed such that the second connecting section of the shaft unit can be connected to the second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device, and the second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the first connecting section of the shaft unit are constructed identically, it is ensured that the shaft unit can be installed in the drive unit, which has the first connecting section and the second connecting section, which are connected to each other before the shaft unit is installed in the drive unit of the axle device.that the first connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the second connecting section of the shaft unit are constructed identically and the second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the first connecting section of the shaft unit are constructed identically, it is ensured that no further modifications of the axle device are necessary for inserting the shaft unit into the drive unit of the axle device,To use the extension unit to create the extended axle device from the axle device to be extended, and at the same time, to use the shaft unit to ensure a drive function for a driven rotary movement of the wheels of the axle device that are attached or can be attached to the axle device. The fact that the first connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the second connecting section of the shaft unit are identically constructed, and the second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the first connecting section of the shaft unit are identically constructed, can be ensured by adapting the extension unit to a specific structure of the axle device to be extended.so that the first connecting section of the shaft unit can be connected to the first connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device, and the second connecting section of the shaft unit can be connected to the second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device. Preferably, the present invention is not limited to a specific structure of an axle device to be extended; rather, the extension unit can be manufactured such that it is designed for a specific axle device to be extended in order to form a specific extended axle device. Preferably, the shaft unit has a shaft section and a drive sleeve. Preferably, the drive sleeve has a recess extending along the direction of extension of the shaft unit.in which an end section of the shaft section opposite the first connecting section of the shaft unit can be arranged, and the end section of the shaft section can be fastened to the drive sleeve using a locking screw. Preferably, in the assembled state of the shaft unit, the end section of the shaft section is arranged in the recess, and the end section of the shaft section is fastened to the drive sleeve using the locking screw.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the invention, the stated object is achieved by an extended axle device having the features of patent claim 9. The extended axle device is configured for a vehicle. The extended axle device has a central section, a first end section, a second end section, a first extension unit, and a second extension unit. Both the first extension unit and the second extension unit are extension units according to the first aspect of the invention. The first connecting section of the first extension unit is connected to a first connecting section of the central section. The second connecting section of the first extension unit is connected to a second connecting section of the first end section. The first connecting section of the second extension unit is connected to another first connecting section of the central section.The second connecting section of the second extension unit is connected to another second connecting section of the second end section. The features, technical effects, and / or advantages described in connection with the extension unit according to the first aspect of the invention also apply at least analogously to the extended axle device according to the second aspect of the invention, so that a corresponding repetition is omitted here.

[0018] In one embodiment, the extended axle device is a front axle device. The front axle device is preferably referred to as a front axle. The extended axle device is preferably a front axle device of an agricultural machine, in particular a tractor.

[0019] Further features, advantages, and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the exemplary embodiments and the figures. All described and / or illustrated features, individually and in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their composition in the individual claims or their references. In the figures, the same reference numerals continue to represent the same or similar objects.

[0020] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a section of a first embodiment of an extension unit according to the invention,

[0021] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the first embodiment of the extension unit according to the invention shown in sections in Figure 1, as well as a second embodiment of the extension unit according to the invention,

[0022] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a section of an embodiment of an extended axle device according to the invention with the first embodiment of the extension unit according to the invention and with the second embodiment of the extension unit according to the invention,

[0023] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a section of the embodiment of the extended axle device according to the invention shown in sections in Figure 3 with the first embodiment of the extension unit according to the invention and with the second embodiment of the extension unit according to the invention, and

[0024] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment of the extended axle device according to the invention shown in sections in Figure 3 and Figure 4 with the first embodiment of the extension unit according to the invention and with the second embodiment of the extension unit according to the invention.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a section of a first embodiment of an extension unit 1 according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the first embodiment of the extension unit 1 according to the invention shown in sections in Figure 1 as well as a second embodiment of the extension unit 1 according to the invention, Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a section of an embodiment of an extended axle device 3 according to the invention with the first embodiment of the extension unit 1 according to the invention and with the second embodiment of the extension unit 1 according to the invention,Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a section of the embodiment of the extended axle device 3 according to the invention, shown in sections in Figure 3, with the first embodiment of the extension unit 1 according to the invention and with the second embodiment of the extension unit 1 according to the invention, and Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment of the extended axle device 3 according to the invention, shown in sections in Figure 3 and in Figure 4, with the first embodiment of the extension unit 1 according to the invention and with the second embodiment of the extension unit 1 according to the invention.

[0026] The extension unit 1 is configured to extend an axle device of a vehicle. An axle device of the vehicle can therefore be extended using the extension unit 1. In the context of the present invention, a distinction must be made between an axle device that can be extended using the extension unit 1 and can also be referred to as an extendable axle device or axle device to be extended, and an axle device that has been extended using the extension unit 1 and has the extension unit 1 and can also be referred to as an extended axle device 3. In the examples shown, the extended axle device 3 is a front axle device, which can also be referred to as a front axle. The extended axle device 3 is a front axle device of an agricultural machine, namely a tractor. The vehicle is therefore an agricultural machine, specifically a tractor.A distance between two front tires of the tractor, defined perpendicular to the direction of travel of the tractor, can therefore be increased using the extension unit 1. The extension unit 1 thus ensures that the extension of the tractor's axle device can be increased in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the tractor, particularly when the tractor is traveling straight ahead.

[0027] The extension unit 1 extends from a first connecting section 5 along an extension direction 7 to a second connecting section 9. The first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 is designed such that the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 can be connected to a first connecting section 11 of the axle device (see Figures 4 and 5). The first connecting section 11 of the axle device and the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 are constructed identically. The second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 is designed such that the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 can be connected to a second connecting section 13 of the axle device (see Figure 5). The second connecting section 13 of the axle device and the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 are constructed identically. As a result,that the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 is designed such that the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 can be connected to the first connecting section 11 of the axle device, the first connecting section 11 of the axle device and the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 are constructed identically, the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 is designed such that the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 can be connected to the second connecting section 13 of the axle device, and the second connecting section 13 of the axle device and the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 are constructed identically, it is ensured that the extension unit 1 can be installed in an axle device which has the first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 13, which,before the extension unit 1 is installed in the axle device. The fact that the first connecting section 11 of the axle device and the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 are constructed identically, and the second connecting section 13 of the axle device and the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 are constructed identically, ensures that no further modifications to the axle device are necessary for inserting the extension unit 1 into the axle device in order to produce the extended axle device 3 from the axle device to be extended using the extension unit 1. The fact that the first connecting section 11 of the axle device and the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 are constructed identically, and the second connecting section 13 of the axle device and the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 are constructed identically,This can ensure that the extension unit 1 is adapted to a specific structure of the axle device to be extended, so that the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 can be connected to a first connecting section 11 of the axle device, and the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 can be connected to a second connecting section 13 of the axle device. The present invention is not limited to a specific structure of an axle device to be extended; rather, the extension unit 1 can be manufactured such that it is designed for a specific axle device to be extended, in order to form a specific extended axle device, which in the example shown is the extended axle device 3.

[0028] The extension unit 1 has a housing unit 15 which extends from the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 along the extension direction 7 towards the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1, wherein the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 and the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 are provided on the housing unit 15.Because the extension unit 1 has the housing unit 15, which extends from the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 along the extension direction 7 to the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 and the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 and the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 are provided on the housing unit 15, the housing unit 15 can be mechanically loaded and, in the installed state of the housing unit 15, i.e. when the extended axle device 3 is manufactured, forces and moments can be transmitted between the first connecting section 11 of the axle device and the second connecting section 13 of the axle device with the aid of the housing unit 15. The housing unit 15 can also be referred to as an intermediate housing.

[0029] The first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 has a first flange section 17 that extends around a straight line, with the extension direction 7 running along the straight line. With the aid of the circumferential first flange section 17, the extension unit 1 can lie flat against a circumferential first flange section 19 of the first connecting section 11 of the axle device, so that a particularly mechanically robust connection between the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 and the first connecting section 11 of the axle device can be ensured. The first flange section 17 of the extension unit 1 has bores arranged circumferentially around the straight line.The holes have through-holes, by means of which, and by means of hexagon screws that extend through the through-holes when connected, the connected state between the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 and the first connecting section 11 of the axle device can be secured. In Figure 1, a hexagon screw 21 is shown outside the corresponding through-hole for illustrative purposes.In addition, the bores have blind holes, with the aid of which, and with the aid of cylindrical pins that extend into the blind holes when connected, the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 and the first connecting section 11 of the axle device can be optimally positioned relative to one another, and an optimal position relative to one another in the connected state between the first connecting section 5 of the extension unit 1 and the first connecting section 11 of the axle device can be ensured. In Figure 1, a cylindrical pin 23 is shown outside the corresponding blind hole for illustrative purposes.

[0030] The second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 has a second flange section 25 extending around the straight line, with the extension direction 7 running along the straight line. With the aid of the circumferential second flange section 25, the extension unit 1 can bear flatly against a circumferential second flange section 27 of the second connecting section 13 of the axle device, so that a particularly mechanically robust connection between the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 and the second connecting section 13 of the axle device can be ensured. The second flange section 25 of the extension unit 1 has bores arranged circumferentially around the straight line.The bores have blind holes, with the aid of which and with the aid of hexagon screws and cylindrical pins, on the one hand the connected state between the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 and the second connecting section 13 of the axle device can be secured, which is ensured by the hexagon screws, and on the other hand the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 and the second connecting section 13 of the axle device can be optimally positioned relative to one another and an optimal position relative to one another in the connected state between the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 and the second connecting section 13 of the axle device can be ensured, which in turn is ensured by the cylindrical pins.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the extension unit 1 has a rod unit 29, which can also be referred to as a steering rod or intermediate rod. The rod unit 29 extends from a first connecting section 31 along an extension direction 33 to a second connecting section 35. The first connecting section 31 of the rod unit 29 is designed such that the first connecting section 31 of the rod unit 29 can be connected to a first connecting section 37 of a steering unit of the axle device, wherein the first connecting section 37 of the steering unit of the axle device and the second connecting section 35 of the rod unit 29 are identically constructed, and wherein the second connecting section 35 of the rod unit 29 is designed such that the second connecting section 35 of the rod unit 29 can be connected to a second connecting section 39 of the steering unit of the axle device.wherein the second connecting section 39 of the steering unit of the axle device and the first connecting section 31 of the rod unit 29 are constructed identically. Because the extension unit 1 has the rod unit 29, which extends from the first connecting section 31 along the extension direction 33 to the second connecting section 35, the rod unit 29 can be mechanically loaded and, in the installed state of the rod unit 29, i.e., when the extended axle device 3 is manufactured, forces, in particular tensile forces and compressive forces acting along the extension direction 33 of the rod unit 29, can be transmitted between the first connecting section 37 of the steering unit of the axle device and the second connecting section 39 of the steering unit of the axle device with the aid of the rod unit 29. Because the first connecting section 31 of the rod unit 29 is designed in such a way,that the first connecting section 31 of the rod unit 29 can be connected to the first connecting section 37 of the steering unit of the axle device, the first connecting section 37 of the steering unit of the axle device and the second connecting section 35 of the rod unit 29 are constructed identically, the second connecting section 35 of the rod unit 29 is designed such that the second connecting section 35 of the rod unit 29 can be connected to the second connecting section 39 of the steering unit of the axle device, and the second connecting section 39 of the steering unit of the axle device and the first connecting section 31 of the rod unit 29 are constructed identically, it is ensured that the rod unit 29 can be installed in the steering unit, which has the first connecting section 37 and the second connecting section 39, which, before the rod unit 29 is installed in the steering unit of the axle device,are connected to each other. The fact that the first connecting section 37 of the steering unit of the axle device and the second connecting section 35 of the rod unit 29 are constructed identically and the second connecting section 39 of the steering unit of the axle device and the first connecting section 31 of the rod unit 29 are constructed identically ensures that no further modifications of the axle device are necessary for inserting the rod unit 29 into the steering unit of the axle device.To create the extended axle device 3 from the axle device to be extended using the extension unit 1, and at the same time, to maintain the steering function of the axle device using the rod unit 29. The fact that the first connecting section 37 of the steering unit of the axle device and the second connecting section 35 of the rod unit 29 are identically constructed, and the second connecting section 39 of the steering unit of the axle device and the first connecting section 31 of the rod unit 29 are identically constructed, can be ensured by the extension unit 1 being adapted to a specific structure of the axle device to be extended.so that the first connecting section 31 of the rod unit 29 can be connected to the first connecting section 37 of the steering unit of the axle device, and the second connecting section 35 of the rod unit 29 can be connected to the second connecting section 39 of the steering unit of the axle device. The present invention is not limited to a specific design of an axle device to be extended; rather, the extension unit 1 can be manufactured such that it is designed for a specific axle device to be extended, in order to form a specific extended axle device, which in the illustrated example is the extended axle device 3.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the extension unit 1 has a shaft unit 41, which can also be referred to as a drive shaft or intermediate shaft. The shaft unit 41 extends from a first connecting section 43 along an extension direction 45 to a second connecting section 47. The first connecting section 43 of the shaft unit 41 is designed such that the first connecting section 43 of the shaft unit 41 can be connected to a first connecting section (not shown in the figures) of a drive unit of the axle device, wherein the first connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the second connecting section 47 of the shaft unit 41 are constructed identically, and wherein the second connecting section 47 of the shaft unit 41 is designed such thatthat the second connecting section 47 of the shaft unit 41 can be connected to a second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device (also not shown in the figures), wherein the second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the first connecting section 43 of the shaft unit 41 are constructed identically. Because the extension unit 1 has the shaft unit 41, which extends from the first connecting section 43 along the extension direction 45 to a second connecting section 47, the shaft unit 41 can be mechanically loaded, and in the installed state of the shaft unit 41, i.e., when the extended axle device 3 is manufactured, drive rotational movements, in particular in a vectorial representation along a straight line along which the extension direction 45 runs, acting torques,between the first connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device by means of the shaft unit 41. Because the first connecting section 43 of the shaft unit 41 is designed such that the first connecting section 43 of the shaft unit 41 can be connected to the first connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device, the first connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the second connecting section 47 of the shaft unit 41 are constructed identically, the second connecting section 47 of the shaft unit 41 is designed such thatThe fact that the second connecting section 47 of the shaft unit 41 can be connected to the second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the first connecting section 43 of the shaft unit 41 are constructed identically ensures that the shaft unit 41 can be installed in the drive unit, which has the first connecting section and the second connecting section, which are connected to each other before the shaft unit 41 is installed in the drive unit of the axle device. The fact that the first connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the second connecting section 47 of the shaft unit 41 are constructed identically and the second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the first connecting section 43 of the shaft unit 41 are constructed identically ensures thatthat no further modifications of the axle device are necessary for inserting the shaft unit 41 into the drive unit of the axle device in order to produce the extended axle device 3 from the axle device to be extended using the extension unit 1 and, at the same time, to ensure, with the aid of the shaft unit 41, a drive function for a driven rotary movement of the wheels of the axle device attached or attachable to the axle device. The fact that the first connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the second connecting section 47 of the shaft unit 41 are identically constructed, and the second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the first connecting section 43 of the shaft unit 41 are identically constructed, can be ensured by adapting the extension unit 1 to a specific structure of the axle device to be extended.so that the first connecting section 43 of the shaft unit 41 can be connected to the first connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device, and the second connecting section 47 of the shaft unit 41 can be connected to the second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device. The present invention is not limited to a specific design of an axle device to be extended; rather, the extension unit 1 can be manufactured such that it is designed for a specific axle device to be extended in order to form a specific extended axle device, which in the illustrated example is the extended axle device 3. The shaft unit 41 has a shaft section 49 and a drive sleeve 51. The drive sleeve 51 has a recess extending along the extension direction 45 of the shaft unit 41.in which an end section of the shaft section 49 opposite the first connecting section 43 of the shaft unit 41 can be arranged and the end section of the shaft section 49 can be fastened to the drive sleeve 51 by means of a locking screw 53. In the assembled state of the shaft unit 41, the end section of the shaft section,

[0033] 49 is arranged in the recess and the end section of the shaft section 49 is fastened to the drive sleeve 51 by means of the locking screw 53.

[0034] The extension unit 1 also has a clamping pin 55, which can also be referred to as a clamping sleeve. In addition, the extension unit 1 has an O-ring 57, which ensures a sealed connection between the second connecting section 9 of the extension unit 1 and the second connecting section 13 of the axle device, a first retaining ring 59, a second retaining ring 61, a third retaining ring 63, a ball bearing unit 65, which is secured relative to the drive sleeve 51 by means of the first retaining ring 59 and the second retaining ring 61 along the extension direction 45 of the shaft unit 41, and is secured relative to the housing unit 15 of the extension unit 1 by means of the third retaining ring 63 along the extension direction 45 of the shaft unit 41, a first plug element 67 and a second plug element 69.The first plug element 67 and the second plug element 69 are provided to close openings formed in the axle device to be extended after the extended axle device 3 has been manufactured.

[0035] As already described, Figure 5 shows the schematic representation of the embodiment of the extended axle device 3 according to the invention, shown in sections in Figure 3 and Figure 4, with the first embodiment of the extension unit 1 according to the invention and with the second embodiment of the extension unit 1 according to the invention. The first embodiment of the extension unit 1 according to the invention and the second embodiment of the extension unit 1 according to the invention are essentially identical but mirror-symmetrical. The features, technical effects and / or advantages described in connection with the first embodiment of the extension unit 1 according to the invention also apply at least analogously to the second embodiment of the extension unit 1 according to the invention and vice versa.In the present example, the extended axle device 3 of the vehicle is an extended axle device 3 of a tractor. The extended axle device 3 has a central section 71, a first end section 73, and a second end section 75. A right front tire of the tractor can be attached to an end section 77 of the first end section 73. A left front tire of the tractor can be attached to an end section 77 of the second end section 75. The central section 71, the first end section 73, and the second end section 75 are each part of the axle device to be extended and of the extended axle device 3. The extended axle device 3 also has a first extension unit and a second extension unit, wherein both the first extension unit and the second extension unit are corresponding embodiments of the extension unit 1 already described.With the help of the first extension unit and the second extension unit, a distance defined perpendicular to the direction of travel of the tractor between the right front tire and the left front tire of the tractor can be increased. The first connecting section 5 of the first extension unit is connected to a first connecting section 11 of the central section 71. The second connecting section 9 of the first extension unit is connected to a second connecting section 13 of the first end section 73. The first connecting section 5 of the second extension unit is connected to another first connecting section 11 of the central section 71. The second connecting section 9 of the second extension unit is connected to another second connecting section 13 of the second end section 75.

[0036] As shown in particular in Figure 5, the rod unit 29 of each extension unit 1 is arranged outside the corresponding housing unit 15. The fact that the rod unit 29 of each extension unit 1 is arranged outside the corresponding housing unit 15 ensures that the rod unit 29 can be replaced particularly easily. The shaft unit 41 of each extension unit 1 is arranged inside the corresponding housing unit 15. The fact that the shaft unit 41 of each extension unit 1 is arranged inside the corresponding housing unit 15 ensures that the shaft unit 41 is protected by the housing unit 15 from external influences, such as dirt.

[0037] The first flange section 17 of the first connecting section 5 of each extension unit 1 has a recess 79 pointing radially away from a straight line, wherein the extension direction 7 runs along the straight line. The fact that the first flange section 17 of the first connecting section 5 of each extension unit 1 has the recess 79 pointing radially away from the straight line, wherein the extension direction 7 runs along the straight line, ensures that a section of the steering unit can be arranged in the recess 79 of the first flange section 17 and thus, overall, a compact extended axle device 3 can be provided. The second flange section 25 of the second connecting section 9 of each extension unit 1 has a recess 79 pointing radially away from a straight line, wherein the extension direction 7 runs along the straight line.The fact that the second flange section 25 of the second connecting section 9 of each extension unit 1 has the recess 79 pointing radially away from the straight line, wherein the extension direction 7 runs along the straight line, ensures that a section of the steering unit, in particular the rod unit 29 of the extension unit 1, can be arranged in the recess 79 of the second flange section 25 and thus a compact extended axle device 3 can be provided overall.

[0038] It has been found that the extension unit 1 according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in an agricultural machine, namely in an agricultural front steering axle of tractors with a power class of up to 250 hp with a suspension system for sugar cane applications with a flange-to-flange dimension of 3 meters.

[0039] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features of other embodiments described above. Reference symbols in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

[0040] Reference symbol

[0041] 1 extension unit

[0042] 3 extended axle device

[0043] 5 first connecting section of the extension unit

[0044] 7 Extension direction of the extension unit

[0045] 9 second connecting section of the extension unit

[0046] 11 first connecting section of the axle device

[0047] 13 second connecting section of the axle device

[0048] 15 Housing unit of the extension unit

[0049] 17 first flange section of the extension unit

[0050] 19 first flange section of the axle device

[0051] 21 Hexagon screw

[0052] 23 cylindrical pin

[0053] 25 second flange section of the extension unit

[0054] 27 second flange section of the axle device

[0055] 29 Rod unit of the extension unit

[0056] 31 first connecting section of the rod unit

[0057] 33 Extension direction of the rod unit

[0058] 35 second connecting section of the rod unit

[0059] 37 first connecting section of a steering unit

[0060] 39 second connecting section of the steering unit

[0061] 41 Shaft unit of the extension unit

[0062] 43 first connecting section of the shaft unit

[0063] 45 Direction of extension of the shaft unit

[0064] 47 second connecting section of the shaft unit

[0065] 49 wave section

[0066] 51 drive sleeve

[0067] 53 Locking screw 55 Spring pin

[0068] 57 O-ring

[0069] 59 first retaining ring

[0070] 61 second retaining ring

[0071] 63 third retaining ring

[0072] 65 ball bearing unit

[0073] 67 first plug-in element

[0074] 69 second plug-in element

[0075] 71 Central section

[0076] 73 first final section

[0077] 75 second final section

[0078] 77 final section

[0079] 79 Recess

Claims

Patent claims 1. An extension unit (1) for extending an axle device of a vehicle, wherein the extension unit (1) extends from a first connecting section (5) along an extension direction (7) to a second connecting section (9), wherein the first connecting section (5) of the extension unit (1) is designed such that the first connecting section (5) of the extension unit (1) can be connected to a first connecting section (11) of the axle device, wherein the first connecting section (11) of the axle device and the second connecting section (9) of the extension unit (1) are constructed identically, and wherein the second connecting section (9) of the extension unit (1) is designed such that the second connecting section (9) of the extension unit (1) can be connected to a second connecting section (13) of the axle device,wherein the second connecting section (13) of the axle device and the first connecting section (5) of the extension unit (1) are constructed identically., 2. Extension unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension unit (1) has a housing unit (15) which extends from the first connecting section (5) of the extension unit (1) along the extension direction (7) towards the second connecting section (9) of the extension unit (1), wherein the first connecting section (5) of the extension unit (1) and the second connecting section (9) of the extension unit (1) are provided on the housing unit (15).

3. Extension unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting section (5) of the extension unit (1) has a first flange section (17) extending around a straight line, wherein the extension direction (7) runs along the straight line.

4. Extension unit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first flange portion (17) of the first connecting portion (5) of the extension unit (1) has a recess (79) pointing radially away from a straight line, wherein the direction of extension (7) runs along the straight line.

5. Extension unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connecting section (9) of the extension unit (1) has a second flange section (25) extending around a straight line, wherein the direction of extension (7) runs along the straight line.

6. Extension unit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second flange portion (25) of the second connecting portion (9) of the extension unit (1) has a recess (79) pointing radially away from a straight line, wherein the extension direction (7) runs along the straight line.

7. Extension unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension unit (1) has a rod unit (29) which extends from a first connecting section (31) along an extension direction (33) to a second connecting section (35), wherein the first connecting section (31) of the rod unit (29) is designed such that the first connecting section (31) of the rod unit (29) can be connected to a first connecting section (37) of a steering unit of the axle device, wherein the first connecting section (37) of the steering unit of the axle device and the second connecting section (35) of the rod unit (29) are constructed identically, and wherein the second connecting section (35) of the rod unit (29) is designed such that the second connecting section (35) of the rod unit (29) can be connected to a second connecting section (39) of the steering unit of the axle device can,wherein the second connecting section (39) of the steering unit of the axle device and the first connecting section (31) of the rod unit (29) are constructed identically., 8. Extension unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension unit (1) has a shaft unit (41) extending from a first connecting section (43) along an extension direction (45) to a second connecting section (47), wherein the first connecting section (43) of the shaft unit (41) is designed such that the first connecting section (43) of the shaft unit (41) can be connected to a first connecting section of a drive unit of the axle device, wherein the first connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the second connecting section (47) of the shaft unit (41) are constructed identically, and wherein the second connecting section (47) of the shaft unit (41) is designed such that the second connecting section (47) of the shaft unit (41) can be connected to a second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device,wherein the second connecting section of the drive unit of the axle device and the first connecting section (43) of the shaft unit (41) are constructed identically., 9. An extended axle device (3) of a vehicle having a central section (71), a first end section (73), a second end section (75), a first extension unit, and a second extension unit, wherein both the first extension unit and the second extension unit are extension units (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting section (5) of the first extension unit is connected to a first connecting section of the central section (71), the second connecting section (9) of the first extension unit is connected to a second connecting section of the first end section (73), the first connecting section (5) of the second extension unit is connected to a further first connecting section of the central section (71),and the second connecting portion (9) of the second extension unit is connected to a further second connecting portion of the second end portion (75).

10. Extended axle device (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the extended axle device (3) is a front axle device.

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